“Labor, in comparison, had its declaration and control order laws struck out by the High Court in 2011.”

The anti-consorting laws carry a maximum penalty of three years in jail for people who continue to associate with convicted offenders after receiving an official warning from police.

Three people charged under the laws challenged their validity and the case had been set to be heard by the NSW Court of Appeal. However, the hearing was put on hold last year to await the outcome of another

High Court case dealing with a similar constitutional issue.

To ensure a faster resolution to the challenge, the NSW Government applied for the case to be heard directly by the High Court.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government was always confident these laws were sound and would hold up to intensive legal scrutiny in Australia’s highest court,” Mr Ayres said.

“The Government’s decision to go straight to the High Court has paid off and has ensured these vital laws can continue to be used by police in appropriate cases.

“These laws help police dismantle bikie gangs”, Mr Ayres concluded.

The High Court by majority upheld the validity of Section 93X of the Crime Act 1900, rejecting an argument that the anti-consorting laws were unconstitutional. The court also found that the laws were appropriate and served a legitimate purpose to prevent crime.